The SIU has terminated an investigation into the serious injury sustained by a 25-year-old man in a collision in Mapleton in February.
On the night of February 25, 2019, an OPP officer followed a suspicious Mazda on Highway 86 and the cruiser collided with the vehicle as it slowed at Side Road 15. The vehicle continued and the officer then activated his lights but was immediately ordered by the communications centre not to stop the vehicle.
A short time later, the Mazda travelled into the north ditch, rolled and struck a utility pole before the driver fled. A suspect was later arrested and was transported to the hospital with a suspected concussion.
“The evidence collected following the SIU’s preliminary inquiries establishes that the officer had terminated his pursuit of the vehicle several minutes and about four kilometres before the man lost control and smashed into a hydro pole, resulting in the concussion that was subsequently diagnosed at hospital. In the circumstances, their engagement was sufficiently disconnected in time and space such that it cannot be said that the officer caused or contributed to the collision in any fashion that might attract criminal liability. Accordingly, the investigation is hereby discontinued and the file closed," said Interim SIU Director Martino.
The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
